Windows 11 is secretly testing a new Windows Run, which is modern and built on new code compared to the legacy Run, but don’t worry. Windows Latest can confirm that the new Run feature is completely optional, and it’s actually not as bad as the rest of the “modern” take on Windows 11.

Windows Run is an old-school Win32 dialog that does not use dark mode or modern UI elements, such as WinUI or WinAppSDK. Microsoft doesn’t want to replace Run with a modern version, fearing outrage. Instead, Microsoft is building a modern Windows Run that runs alongside the legacy Run as an optional feature.

In our tests, Windows Latest observed that the new Run looks like a modern Windows 11 flyout instead of a dialog box. Unlike the legacy Run, it opens as a large, rounded card near the bottom, with the hint text “Type the name of a command to run,” and it retains the clean input area.

There’s also a Run button on the right that shows (Enter), so it’s clearly built around the same approach as the existing Run. It also adapts to dark and light mode, and the spacing and icons feel like the Start or Search UI.

Compared to the legacy Run (Win32), this one does not have a classic title bar, which is why it takes up less space, and there are no labels for the commands that you previously used.

Instead, it adds a simple history list above the input. For example, I opened two items (cmd and winver) using Run, so they appear above the input area with a clock icon on the right. It’s also more touch-friendly than the legacy Run.

Is the new Windows Run slower than the legacy Run?

We all dislike Windows 11’s modern “revamps” not just because of missing features but largely because of how slow they’ve turned out to be. I mean, File Explorer’s header is built using WinUI 3, and you might have noticed how it takes several seconds to load the options, and it’s so bad that Microsoft has ultimately decided to preload Explorer.

But this modern Windows Run doesn’t feel slow and is just as instant as the legacy Run, plus it’s more touch-friendly and more consistent with Windows visuals. However, there’s one thing that I did not really like about the new Run.

The modern Windows Run is locked to the bottom left of the desktop, and it cannot be moved, just like the new taskbar.

Modern Windows Run is going to be an optional feature

Turns out the new Windows Run won’t replace legacy Run, which would remain the default experience.

In our tests, Windows Latest observed that you need to turn on modern Windows Run from Settings > System > Advanced.

Since the modern Run lives under the Advanced page, there’s a chance Microsoft could add new features to it over time. I also don’t think Microsoft would bother touching or replacing the legacy Run unless there was a bigger reason behind it.

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